UEFA Investigates Real Madrid Stars After Champions League Win Over Atletico
UEFA has launched an investigation into Real Madrid players Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Junior following their actions after the club’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid secured a dramatic last-16 win against their city rivals on penalties after a controversial decision saw Julian Alvarez’s penalty disallowed for a double touch. Rudiger scored the winning spot-kick, setting up a quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
Post-Match Conduct Under Scrutiny
UEFA is now looking into allegations of improper behaviour by the four Real Madrid players during their post-match celebrations. Television footage appeared to show Rudiger making a throat-cutting gesture towards the crowd, while Mbappe was seen grabbing his crotch.
A special UEFA inspector has been appointed to review video evidence of the incidents. However, there is no timeline for the investigation, and it is unclear what disciplinary action might follow.
Possible Sanctions
UEFA has not confirmed potential punishments, but a fine is considered more likely than a ban. In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo was fined €20,000 (£16,665) for a similar offence while playing for Juventus against Atletico Madrid. Atletico manager Diego Simeone received the same fine for making the same gesture in the first leg of that tie.
The case may not be resolved before Real Madrid face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled for 8 April at the Emirates Stadium and the return match in Madrid eight days later.
